Establishes the second look act and would permit incarcerated individuals to petition the sentencing court to consider a motion to reduce a sentence after the defendant has served at least ten (10) years of the sentence.
The act will have a meaningful impact on state laws governing criminal sentencing practices. Particularly, it facilitates a legal avenue for inmates to seek sentence reductions based on their rehabilitation, combatting the past trend of unyielding long sentences. The introduction of this law would not only provide relief to eligible inmates but could also catalyze discussions around broader criminal justice reforms. Moreover, a portion of the savings achieved from reduced incarceration costs would be reinvested in programs aimed at reducing recidivism further, highlighting a preventative approach to crime and support for inmate reintegration.
Bill S2228, titled the 'Second Look Sentencing Act', aims to address the significant issue of long-term incarceration in Rhode Island. The bill establishes a framework allowing incarcerated individuals who have served at least ten years of their sentence to petition the sentencing court for a reduction of their sentence. The proposed legislation is grounded in societal findings that long-term incarceration disproportionately affects poor communities and communities of color, often leading to negative societal consequences such as increased costs and heightened recidivism rates. By encouraging good behavior and participation in rehabilitative programs through the possibility of sentence reduction, the bill seeks to promote better re-entry outcomes for individuals post-incarceration.
Despite the potential benefits, there are notable points of contention surrounding S2228. Critics may express concern regarding the handling of victims' rights during the petition process, ensuring that victims and their families have a voice in any hearings. There is also a debate on the balance between offering second chances to rehabilitated individuals and ensuring justice for victims and society as a whole. Some lawmakers may argue that leniency in sentencing could undermine the severity of punishment necessary for certain crimes, creating a potential divide between reform advocates and traditional law-and-order proponents.